I am preparing a submission for the addition of specific lipedema codes for publication on Oct. 1 2021 to The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Specific lipedema codes are needed for identification, tracking, and research. There are two due dates for feedback: June 12, 2020 and then September 2020. Please contact us if you have any thoughts on this matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In general the submission is no more than two pages, with a concise overview of the disease\/condition, rationale for the request, and research to back up the need for the new codes. Currently (June 2020) there is no specific ICD-10-CM code for lipedema. If you know anyone who might be interested please forward this to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you search for lipedema in the ICD-10-CM index you find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lipedema – see Edema<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Edema<\/p>\n\n\n\n
legs R60.0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
legs R60.0 due to venous obstruction I87.1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
legs R60.0 hereditary Q82.0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In June 2020, R60.0, a sign and symptom code, and Q82.0, a congenital disease code are used by different practitioners depending on their training and perception of lipedema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The congenital code: Q82.0 is also used for Lymphedema (acquired) – see also Elephantiasis. This is a separate condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some clinicians consider adiposis dolorosa, E88.2 to be synonymous with lipedema [Herbst, et al]. However this code lacks the specificity of the clearly defined stages of lipedema (1-3). Also, it\u2019s not in the ICD-10-CM Index and, from my research, the code currently least-used for lipedema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our request would be to add the ICD-10 lipedema codes currently used by Germany to the 2022 ICD-10-CM (published Oct 1 2021). These expand on the E88.2- code above and provide the specificity need for tracking, research and management of lipedema. The German codes spell lipedema as lipoedema<\/em>. We would use the American spelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ICD-10-CM TABULAR MODIFICATIONS<\/p>\n\n\n\n E88.20 Lipedema, Stage 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n E88.21 Lipedema, Stage 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n E88.22 Lipedema, Stage 3<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n E88.28 Other or unspecified lipedema [this code is often used for Stage 4 known as lipo-lymphedema, a serious progression of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Questions for You:<\/strong> Are the ICD-10 codes used in Germany sufficient? Should we request any change for the USA codes? Would we be better requesting a single lipedema code to not confuse many clinicians not familiar with the stages?<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also want to make the best argument why the current lipedema codes are inaccurate and insufficient. In our submission we will include a concise explanation of what lipedema is and how it differs from edema, Dercums, lymphedema and why the new codes are needed for tracking and research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There appears to be some confusion concerning lipolymphedema and STAGE 4. The German ICD-10 codes do not specify a lipedema STAGE 4 code, but rather E88.28: other or unspecified lipedema. Should the United States request a separate, specific code for lipolymphedema (E88.23)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n STAGE 4: Development of lipolymphedema\u2014a condition where both lipedema and lymphedema are present in the body\u2014with large overhangs of tissue on legs and\/or arms. [https:\/\/www.lipedema.org\/staging]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lymphedema occurs at any stage, especially Stage 3, called lipo-lymphedema. Liposuction for Lipedema (Persistent Fat) in the US Improves Quality of Life<\/em> (Cobos L et al., 2019).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you consider code I89.0: Lymphedema (acquired), praecox, Lymphedema (acquired), secondary as synonymous\/sufficient for lipo-lipedema? Should we request lipo-lipedema be added to the code description and ICD-10-CM Index? <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you wish to be part of this review process, please send us an email via the contact form <\/a>and I will send you the complete ICD-10-CM lipedema code submission due June 12, 2020. It will be about three pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you for your consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jeffrey Restuccio, CPC, COC) [certified medical coder, auditor, and reimbursement expert]<\/p>\n\n\n\n (901) 517-1705<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I am preparing a submission for the addition of specific lipedema codes for publication on Oct. 1 2021 to The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Specific lipedema codes are needed for identification, tracking, and research. There are two due dates for feedback: June 12, 2020 and then September 2020…. Continue reading